How to start a food blog in 3 simple steps

You want to start a food blog but don’t know where to start? I understand how frustrating that can be. Since I graduated as a communication & media design specialist, setting up a blog is not hard for me. But I also had a first time to set up my blog and I know it can be difficult. That’s why I’d like to share my knowledge for setting up a WordPress food blog with you guys.

You probably love cooking, making mouthwatering food photos and you have fantastic recipes you want to share? I thought so, but next to that you need three more things before you start a food blog;

Persistence

Consistency

Fun

Running a food blog takes a lot of effort and it isn’t at all easy all the time. It’s a learning curve that all bloggers have to go through, so why would I not help other new (food) bloggers? To run a blog you’ve got to be consistent in posting new recipes or other articles, running and maintaining your social media, so that your readers know what they’re up to and this will lead to a solid base of followers. When you’re persistent in keeping your food blog up to date you’ll see more readers coming to your blog.

Yes, it might be time consuming now and then, doing groceries, cooking your recipes, photograph them and then write an engaging post about it and spread it through food sites and social media. But when you see that you’re actually inspiring other people or helping them to find new recipes you know why you started blogging again. The third main ingredient for running and starting a food blog is having fun, that’s really important. Having fun means that running the food blog means something to you, and you’re getting energy out of your blog, your readers will definitely sense that too!

Now are you ready to start your own beautiful food blog? In 15 minutes you’ll have your own food blog set up by following the next three steps.

Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small commission if you purchase through those links, while for you the price stays the same. These links help to keep Have Another Bite up and running and post more recipes. We only recommend brands we use and/or trust.

What you need to start a food blog:

Here are the basic steps for setting up your own beautiful, self-hosted WordPress blog. Take your time and read through the steps thoroughly.

Domain name & hosting

First of all you need a unique, original and memorable domain name for your blog and you need to find a reliable webhost, like Bluehost.

Install WordPress

WordPress is standard blogging software. It’s wonderful, easy-to-use and offers enough possibilities to run your own food blog. You can see WordPress as the basis for your blog, where you write your posts, add recipes, pictures etc. and WordPress is free!

Install a WordPress theme

A theme gives your food blog its own look, feel and functionality to your website as well.
Prices vary from free to $58+

Step 1: Domain name and hosting

This is the most fun part of setting up your blog. What do you want your blog name to be? Obviously my name is Have another bite. If you don’t have a good name yet don’t worry, brainstorm as many different names as possible and write them down. When you got some ideas check if they are memorable, catchy, short and easy-to-spell. Then head over to Bluehost to pick your plan and see if your domain name name is available. First you’ll be asked to pick a plan. I’d recommend taking the ‘starter plan’, this plan offers enough space and functions when you start a food blog. Hosting basically is renting space in the web to store and show your website. Bluehost has great rates and value and gives you your domain name for free if you host your website with them. I’d say that’s a good deal! It should look like this:

Then you’ll be asked to enter your chosen domain name to see if it’s available. You want to go for a .com domain. It should look like this:

Step 2: Installing WordPress

Once you have completed your registration with your host, you’ll need to go on by installing WordPress.
Login with your account details from Bluehost and scroll down to the Software/services section of the first page. Click on the WordPress logo.

Click the option “Install a brand new version” when you’re on the next page.

Under “installation preferences” make sure you choose the latest stable version of wordpress and leave the box right from your URL empty.

Click “complete” and wait for your very own food blog to be born!

Once the installation is complete make a note of your Login URL, Username and Password and head to this URL in your browser. Type in your login details and….congratulations you officially own your own blog! That feels great doesn’t it? But before you go crazy cooking your best recipes, you’ve got to make sure you’re blog looks good!

When you’re from the Netherlands or Belgium I recommend Versio (great service and pricing):

Step 3: Install a WordPress theme

Now you have got your own food blog, let’s start making it look good. Your blog now has WordPress’ default theme which is quite Spartan and probably lacks some functionalities you like. Don’t worry you’re almost there.

It’s time to pick a WordPress theme. WordPress has a lot of free themes to pick, which you can find here. A premium theme is usually a paid theme but also offers more functionality and support and most importantly they get updated more often. When searching a premium theme look for:

Great design: pick a design you like and check other themes by this maker to make sure they know what they’re doing

Responsiveness: Responsive means that your website is able to adapt itself to different screen sizes to make sure your food blog looks great on smartphones, tablets and computer screens.

User Friendly: When your theme offers a ‘theme menu’ where you can easily change the font and color schemes of your site it saves you a lot of time making your blog look just the way you want.

If you’re looking for a stellar premium theme, check out the options below: